what is the difference

I believe it's the same thing...

vows of intention is the noun
exchanging vows is the verb

I think you may be talking about 2 different things but not using the correct terms.

Declaration of Intent: Do you, Darcy, take this man, Darcy's FH, to be your lawful wedded husband?
I do.

Vows: I Darcy take you Darcy's FH to be my husband, to have and to hold, from this day forward.

Declaration of Intent is necessary to be legally married. Exchanging of vows is just part of the ceremony.

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Posted by eogara

Declaration of Intent is necessary to be legally married. Exchanging of vows is just part of the ceremony.

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actually, we don't have that in our ceremony, so I don't think it's necessary.